By Issy D’Arcy Clark for High Life magazine

Main image courtesy of Water villas at LUX* South Ari Atoll

August 2017

Whether you’re looking for a city break, beach holiday or you’re in the mood for a big trip, here’s some October inspiration, from breathtaking Dubai and mesmerising India, to the laid-back Maldives and on-trend Berlin.

The Beach…

The constellation of atolls that make up the Maldives, shimmer with euphoric warmth year-round. On its own private island, the LUX* South Ari Atoll offers utopian paradise for those winter sun getaways. Enjoy one of 193 Thai-styled private villas, scattered along tropical waters. Keep active this autumn, try beach yoga or swim with turtles, then take to the abundance of water sports, with something new added each year.

Oppressive heat has dissipated over the Indian Ocean come October, leaving the subcontinent with a pleasantly cool north and languorously warm south

Eat

For dinner with a view, book into the Ithaa undersea restaurant at The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Savour tantalising cuisine as manta rays swoop above you, or sip on mid-morning cocktails and watch exotic fish dance around the coral. Enjoy a mesmerising experience in the world’s first underwater restaurant.

Stay

Set on the utopian island of Noonu Atoll, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi offers deluxe beach villas, as well as picture-perfect water villas. Relish you’re a private pool, open-air bathrooms and captivating ocean views, across to the horizon.

The city…

As summer draws to a close, fewer crowds venture to the German capital, so there are great deals in October for savvy travellers. Follow the city’s arty crowds to Kreuzberg for brunch and people watching by Landwehr canal. The annual Berlin Leuchtet also lifts the city’s mood with colourful light displays projected onto monuments and sights by international artists, from 29 September to 15 October.

Eat

With a selection of three sensational restaurants at the Adlon Kempinski, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From Michelin-starred cuisine to Pan-Asian fusion food with a European edge. Take afternoon tea and breakfast, with its Champagne and caviar, for a taste of something special.

Stay

Hotel de Rome, a luxury Rocco Forte hotel, occupies the majestic former GDR’s State Bank – the vaults are now home to the hotel’s luxury spa. Relish the crisp autumnal weather with a coffee on the rooftop terrace and soak up the views.

The family trip…

During half term, the temperature in Dubai is a summer-ready 30°C – ideal for the cornucopia of activities that families can get stuck into, from desert safaris to water sports. Love film? Make a move to Bollywood Parks, a theme park dedicated to all things Bollywood, with 4D rides, live muscials and stunt shows. Watch the magical Dubai fountains perform or head to the lagoon at Dolphin Bay.

Eat

Keep the whole family happy at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, with an array of choices at the restaurant complex. Book babysitters for the evening and enjoy a dining experience at the award-winning Coya, for Peruvian influenced dishes.

Stay

Book Atlantis The Palm’s Imperial Club rooms for free Kids Club access from 10-6pm and access to the new Imperial Beach Club. Spend the day with your little ones at the Aquaventure Waterpark.

The big trip…

Oppressive heat has dissipated over the Indian Ocean come October, leaving the subcontinent with a pleasantly cool north and languorously warm south. In this season, hotel and transport prices become more favourable for travellers unrestricted by dates. A tour of the northwest’s Golden Triangle – which takes in the historically rich cities Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – is the ideal introduction to India. Soak up the atmosphere of Rajasthan’s bazaars and palaces, get lost in the colourful chaos of Delhi, and – of course – gaze in awe at the Taj Mahal.

Eat

Find yourself in the artistic midst of the Varq restaurant in the Taj Mahal Hotel Delhi. Savour the flavour of delicious Indian cuisine, whilst admiring inspiration art by Anjolie Ela Menon. Enjoy dishes with a twist and extraordinary creations with a lunch or dinner experience here.

Stay

Treat yourself to a spot of luxury and indulge in a Delhi landmark. The Claridges New Delhi is an icon of elegance and golden-age glamour. It’s ideally placed for sightseeing and offers a luxurious spa for escaping the rush of Delhi life.

The wild card…

Enjoy reggae, rum and relaxation on the most laid-back Caribbean island in a month where temperatures are high, costs are falling and crowds are dwindling. On the 25 to 29 October, the island hosts the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, a celebration of its diverse culinary scene. After ‘Pork Palooza’ (feast on ribs smothered in a secret sauce) and a day dedicated to all things fried (shrimp, chicken… the list goes on), the festival ends with a food truck party – accompanied, of course, by world-class music.

Eat

When it’s early October, dine alfresco at the lavish Jamaica Inn. With an All Inclusive stay, try as many tantalising treats as you can, as the dinner menu changes nightly with six courses. Soak up the views of the glistening ocean and listen to live music every night.

Stay

Whether you want an active break between Caribbean cuisine and cocktails or are more of a pool-side lounger, the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort has something for everyone at its stunning hillside gardens location.